3-Car Fire Breaks Out At Montclair State University Parking Deck

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A fire involving three cars broke out at a parking deck at Montclair State University on Wednesday, a situation that is expected to impact commuters into Thursday, authorities said.

University administrators notified students about the fire at the Red Hawk parking deck on Wednesday morning, adding that the deck was closed until further notice.

A video posted to YouTube by tornadochaser66 shows multiple fire crews at the scene.

Montclair State administrators provided a series of updates throughout the day:

11:30 a.m. – “Shuttles that normally drop off/pick up at Red Hawk deck are rerouted to University Hall. New Jersey Transit bus drop off/pick up rerouted to Normal Avenue entrance.”

12:55 p.m. – “University Police Department reports three cars on 3rd floor of Red Hawk deck were impacted in fire. The fire is out and two of the owners have been notified. Police are attempting to locate the third. College Avenue from Normal to Carlisle will be reopened shortly. Deck will remain closed while a safety assessment of deck is being conducted. For the latest updates, please refer to web, social and text messages.”

3:26 p.m. – “Structural engineers have inspected the Red Hawk deck and determined that it is safe to allow vehicles to exit. To ensure a safe and orderly exit, University Police will control the number of people who can enter the deck at any one time. Please line up at either the College Avenue entrance or the entrance on the campus side, near the soccer field. Persons with disabilities should ask police officers at the doors for assistance. After all the cars have been removed, the deck will be closed until 7:30 a.m. for maintenance. If it cannot reopen the University will provide an update early in the morning, and additional parking will be available in Lot 60, on Clove Road. Thank you for your patience.”

5:05 p.m. – “All cars parked in the Red Hawk Deck need to be removed by 6 p.m. tonight. The deck will be closed until 7:30 a.m. on Thursday for maintenance. Space will be limited on Thursday, so please plan to arrive earlier than usual, carpool, or use transit. You may also park in CarParc Diem or Lot 60 on Clove Road. Tonight, all commuter students will be allowed to park in any surface parking lot. Thank you for your patience.”

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